"I grew to understand that service is not only a way to benefit a community in need, but also to develop immensely powerful character traits and a renewed passion for the things that matter most in life."
Global Service Initiative
Part philanthropy, part service, GSI builds global communities and better men.
GSI 2025
Delta Upsilon is excited to host two Global Service Initiative trips to Negril, Jamaica in 2025. Registration for the January GSI will open this fall. Registration for the May GSI will open in the spring.
Jan. 4-11, 2025 (applications now open!)
May 17-24, 2025
While in Jamaica, DUs will take part in hands-on service working on construction at a local school; interact with students, teachers and day laborers; engage in nightly reflection/group discussion; and experience the Jamaican culture.
Thanks to the DUEF, each attendee receives a partial scholarship, making registration $500 for undergraduates and $750 for alumni. Registration includes lodging, meals and transportation while you are in Jamaica. Attendees are responsible for their own travel costs to and from Jamaica, as well as any miscellaneous expenses (work gloves, souvenirs, snacks, etc.).
If you have questions about GSI, contact Director of Educational Programs Kody Rother at rother@deltau.org.
Applications for the January 2025 GSI are now open and are due by Nov. 4, 2024. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the program is full. Afterward, applicants will be placed on a waiting list.
About GSI
The Global Service Initiative (GSI) serves a dual role for Delta Upsilon: our international philanthropy and an international service project.
DU believes in creating a fraternity for the modern college student. This includes preparing them for success in an ever changing and growing global environment by developing global awareness and cultural competencies. Recent studies indicate that employers are seeking people who have experience with cultural diversity in America and other countries. GSI allows our members to gain that experience while helping others. And after all, Diffusion of Liberal Culture is one of our Four Founding Principles.
Service
Since 2011, DU and GSI have taken students to Jamaica for a service immersion trip where they are engaged in direct, hands-on service. Each day of the seven-day trip includes a reflection designed to help participants explore how they have been impacted and influenced by the experience, as well as how their work relates to each of DU’s Principles. Jamaica was chosen because of existing relationships with the local government that help connect DU to local schools and engage in the local culture.
Service projects vary from year to year. The GSI offers you an opportunity to explore a new culture, put our values into action and build connections that will last a lifetime.
While in Negril, Jamaica, GSI participants immerse themselves in the culture, interact with locals, provide manual labor for various construction projects, and participate in daily discussion facilitated by trained DU staff. These discussions center on global competencies and connecting the GSI experience to personal and DU values.
Philanthropy
To help fund the GSI experience, each DU chapter is asked to raise money for the program. Philanthropy events such as chili dinners, car shows, bowl-a-thons, haunted houses and more raise money for various GSI expenses. These expenses include building materials, cement, lumber and tools, as well as pay for local laborers.
Our chapters collectively raise and donate approximately $100,000 to GSI each year.
- Will Drury, Cal Poly '22
GSI Resources
Want to learn more about GSI and see what the experience is like? Here are some helpful resources.
